On March 14, members of the Healthcare work group gathered to discuss the latest developments with regard to ongoing healthcare issues: healthcare financing and efficiency, digital health, and the legal framework of secondary health data. Members also touched upon recent and upcoming meetings with government representatives.

Our 30th Annual General Meeting was a great success, with over 70 participants in attendance and honored guest Christopher Robinson, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia. Members met to review the past year’s activities and elect the Board of Directors. Roberts Melbardis, Pauls Miklasevics, Ieva Racenaja and Sarmis Spilbergs were re-elected to the Board for a 2-year term. Liene Dubava, Dita Erna Sile, Kerli Vares, John Tully and Liga Smildzina-Bertulsone will continue to serve on the Board. Following the AGM, the board elected its officers: John Tully will continue to serve as Chair of the Board, while Liene Dubava, Roberts Melbardis, Pauls Miklasevics, Ieva Racenaja as Vice Presidents for the next year.

On March 2, AmChams in Europe, AmCham EU, and the U.S. Commercial Service hosted a high-level online discussion celebrating the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) under the mantle of the EMPOWER HER initiative. Participants discovered first-hand how the Department of Commerce and the private sector are embracing equity – the theme of this year’s IWD – and empowering women economically, both internally and in their communities. The keynote address was delivered by Marisa Lago, U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade. To revisit the event CLICK HERE

In light of the war in Ukraine, AmCham organized a webinar in Connect with AmCham series in partnership with Ellex Klavins devoted to KYC sanctions checks on business partners and clients. The discussion was joined by experts Sabīne Janisela, Head of Sanctions Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Paulis Iljenkovs, Head of Strategic Analysis Division of FIU Latvia. It was moderated by Marta Cera of Ellex Kļaviņš.

Guests and members enjoyed the Exclusive Opera Night on February 23, which featured the premiere of the opera "Jenufa" by Czech composer Leos Janacek, directed by Alvis Hermanis. A kick-off reception preceded the performance at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. It was a great evening of music, novelty and great company. Opera Night has become one of AmCham’s key highlight events since 2013.